On the tenth day of April, the weather was still sunny and had a tendency to continue to get hotter. Only the gusts of wind blowing along the Yellow River somewhat suppressed the heat.

Before leaving the realm of morning, the Song army arrived at the Xixia Palace in the east of Xingqing Prefecture without any bloodshed.

Immediately, the commander-in-chief Yue Fei publicly ordered that the entire army be purged and no one was allowed to leave the team to plunder without permission. After the battle, the civilians collected the spoils in a unified manner. The commanders and above did not take any cents. The whole army distributed them uniformly. The officers took double and the civilians took half. There was no partiality. .

By the time of this battle, Yue Fei had been famous for five or six years and had been a commander for three or four years. His reputation in the imperial camp system was undeniable. Therefore, as soon as this order came out, the soldiers and civilians cheered and cheered.

And then, amidst the cheers, the commander gave another order. Qu Duan was to lead the two thousand armored cavalry to supervise the battle, oversee military discipline, and also lead the general reserve team; Li Shifu was also to lead the cavalry from his headquarters to conduct reconnaissance around the city. Then Zhang Jing led his troops to oversee the people, demolishing the Western Xia Palace from east to west, selecting building materials, and building ladders, rams and other crude siege equipment. Then Liu Qi, the governor, moved forward to extinguish the still-burning flames of the palace. Then go and pile up debris everywhere in front of the city, even siege positions.

Finally, Yue Fei called Zhang Xian again and handed over the gunpowder bag he carried this time to his most trusted subordinate for preparation in case of necessity.

One more thing to say here, regarding the matter of gunpowder, as a commander-in-chief, Yue Fei certainly knew everything about it. He personally inspected and participated in the experiment of gunpowder packages more than once when he went to Tokyo. Then he knew early on that the imperial court already had two major categories of comparisons. Proven Gunpowder Weapons:

One type is more combustion-supporting and is mostly used in naval forces. Zhang Rong and Li Baobu obtained the most. In fact, this type of gunpowder was also available to the Jurchens, and it generally conforms to most people's understanding of gunpowder.

Relatively speaking, the other type of gunpowder, that is, the kind of gunpowder that Yue Fei brought this time, is more explosive... In fact, the power of this type of gunpowder is not great in the eyes of Zhao Guan's family, otherwise he would not have to advance in advance for the public sacrifice that day. They buried so much in the ground just to show off. However, in the eyes of people like Chen Gui and Yue Fei, a mature use of this gunpowder is useful enough - dig a tunnel to the bottom of the city, and then stuff in enough gunpowder , or directly hoard gunpowder under the goose cart, and then stuff it into the city gate hole, which is enough to instantly break a gap in the city defense.

Different from the various dissatisfactions of the Zhao Guan family, this method of use seems simple, but it is actually revolutionary, because it will destroy the most popular way of breaking the city. With this kind of weapon, it will cost tens of thousands of dollars. The artillery array, which took time to reach a large scale, fell into an embarrassing situation, and the single-layer high walls in the past will be transformed into a typical multi-layer city defense system.

In fact, the gunpowder brought all the way from Tokyo is another important reason why Yue Fei is willing to take the risk to launch an attack on Xingqing Mansion. It is also the basis for his determination today... This city fell from the white cow yesterday. From the moment he fell, in Yue Fei's eyes, he was already in the possession of the imperial army.

But to be honest, after experiencing yesterday's battle and realizing that the Xixia people were indeed wide open and had no time to form an effective defense, Yue Fei did not want to use gunpowder on this occasion... If possible, he would prefer to use This thing is used in Daming Prefecture, Hezhong Prefecture, Taiyuan, or Jurchen Xijing, as a secret weapon for the future Northern Expedition across the river to quickly seize strategic key points.

Of course, as a professional soldier, Yue Fei needs to be responsible for the casualties of his subordinates. Therefore, he has already made up his mind that if the sun reaches the top of Helan Mountain in the west and cannot break through the defense, he will immediately blow open the city gate.

, to end this battle.

The Song army was well-arranged and orderly, but the other side was not idle either, and there were a lot of dramas on the battlefield.

When the Song army put out the fire in the palace, an acquaintance immediately hung down from the city to "comfort the master". It was Xue Yuanli, the Prime Minister of Xixia, who had previously gone to Chang'an as an envoy to meet the Emperor Zhao and Song, and tasted crow noodles with soybean paste.

Yue Fei also had an impression of this person, and as a commander who rarely had scruples about the people at the bottom these days, he had some intention of persuading the city to surrender and protect the people. In addition, there was still time for the siege equipment, so he simply summoned him to see him in person.

Narrative.

The two parties met in the open space in front of the palace meeting hall. Yue Fei, who was sitting on a chair, remained motionless. Hu Hongxiu, who was dodging because of his hair, chose to turn his back. When he came up, Xue Yuanli did not do anything such as being neither humble nor overbearing.

If something extraordinary happens within five steps, bow to the very end with great etiquette.

Seeing this shape, Yue Fei and Hu Hongxiu, who was turning his back, looked at each other and his spirits lifted for a moment.

However, when Xue Yuanli raised his head, he spoke righteously and had another explanation: "Yue Jiedu brought foreign soldiers here. Instead of disturbing the palace wantonly, he helped put out the fire. Jiedu himself even stayed out of the Mingming Hall and did not humiliate him.

With the state of our country, Xue is the leader of the country and deserves to be thanked."

Yue Fei sighed in his heart, his face did not change, and he responded frankly: "If this is the case, Prime Minister Xue Shu does not need to thank me. The people in the rear are already tearing down the big trees to make ladders, and the gold, silver, and silk in this palace have also been promised to 30,000 tiger benches for use."

The rewards for this battle, which violate the crowns, robes, and utensils, will be dealt with according to the emperor's will... I will not enter the palace, but the military discipline is such, and I have to set an example."

Xue Yuanli didn't get angry. He just paused for a moment and then asked again: "When it comes to this matter, the Song Dynasty is a big country, and the Dabai Gao Kingdom is a small country. If a small country makes a mistake, the big country should send envoys in advance to hold the small country accountable and correct it.

Opportunity, why would you enter without announcing it, go directly to the capital of a small country, demolish the palace, and then attack the capital?"

Yue Fei finally frowned: "Xue Xianggong is confused. Wasn't it Xianggong himself who questioned the emperor at the mouth of the Jinghe River that day, and then hid his face and left? If Xixia didn't know about the war between the two countries, unless he deliberately concealed it... Even so, it's not right.

, the two armies have been fighting in Hengshan and Pingxia City for several months. If Lord Chage hadn't gone to Hengshan with his force, how could I have marched straight in? Why did I say no war or not declare war at this time?"

Xue Yuanli didn't stop for a moment after hearing the words, and continued to hold his hands: "I don't mention the past, but I dare to ask if it is now possible for Yue Jiedu to withdraw his troops for the time being? Dabai Gaoguo is willing to secede the seven states of Hengshan and the Song Dynasty..."

Yue Fei and Hu Hongxiu looked at each other, and they obviously saw the word absurd in each other's eyes. At this point, what's the point of saying such a thing?

Besides, if others don’t know, doesn’t this person know the temper of the officials of the Song Dynasty?

Taking a step back, even if we don't talk about Zhao Guan's family, just talk about any commander of the Song Dynasty coming here, how can he retreat?

"If it's not enough, I'm willing to send another 30,000 party cavalry to serve as the emperor's vanguard to attack the rebel clan outside the river... If it's still not enough, I'm willing to send the prince to Tokyo..."

Xue Yuanli kept talking one after another, and he was facing each other. Although Yue Fei always had a calm personality, he couldn't help but look at Hu Hongxiu beside him repeatedly, and then sighed in his heart that the other person was ridiculous... But he didn't

I didn't say it out loud, because this kind of ridiculous thing also happened six years ago.

That time and that moment, exactly this moment.

In fact, Yue Fei had been patiently waiting for the other party to finish speaking before he said: "Mr. Xue, as things stand now, there is only one thing that can stop the war..."

Xue Yuanli immediately became solemn.

"Please, the king of your country, the crown prince, and the king of Yue come to our army together. I will send them to Chang'an properly to listen to the emperor's disposal." Yue Fei said calmly. "If so, I am willing to release Xingqing Mansion.

, go to Jingzhou to station."

"Yue Jiedu is joking." Xue Yuanli was silent for a moment, and finally laughed. "It is precisely in order to prevent the country's lord and capital from losing, that we have all the conditions before... Could it be that Yue Jiedu thought that we understand that the kings and ministers of the Gao Kingdom are like this?

Is your country like an ordinary country without tenacity and integrity? Xingqing Mansion has enough food and grass, and 100,000 men, enough to defend it for several months. When King Chage of Jin returns with King Qin’s army, he will attack from inside and outside. At that time, Yue Jiedu will stay in the city.

Be a guest."

As for this, Yue Fei didn't even bother to mention the Yelu Dashi, and just raised his hand to see off the guests.

Soldiers from both sides came down and pushed Xue Yuanli back, but they did not detain or kill him. Instead, they allowed him to walk to the bottom of the city, then sat on the basket and returned to Xingqingfu City.

Although an episode seemed a bit strange, it did not affect the overall situation at all. Thanks to the fine wood used in the Xixia Palace, the rough ladder and bumper were ready before noon. At the same time, something happened outside the city.

A large number of non-contact battles... After the various Song armies set up siege positions, they had already begun testing all fronts, and it seemed that everyone couldn't wait.

Of course, at this moment, no one can guess who will get the first victory in the battle. However, among the generals, the one who seems to be farthest from the first victory in breaking the city seems to have already been determined.

It was Li Shifu, deputy commander of the Imperial Cavalry Army.

By the way, this Dangxiang general who was born in Suide mostly has Fanqi from the Hengshan area under his command. Compared with their opponents in yesterday's battle, they are more Chinese-speaking, have better equipment, and have more than a year of military training.

It's just for training and not suitable for siege.

And just because people don’t talk about some things doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

Li Shifu was the deputy commander of the imperial camp at a young age, and he attacked the founding father as a special case. Coupled with the performance of their father and son in the battle at Yaoshan, it was impossible for anyone to openly doubt their loyalty.

Logically speaking, this person should be one of the most promising people in the world.

However, that is only logical. Everyone knows that most people in the imperial court, inside and outside the imperial camp, are still concerned about his clan status. Even before the war, some people suggested not to let Li Shifu accompany him, in case he repeats it, which leads to a catastrophe.

Misfortune. Even Li Shifu knew this in his heart and deliberately downplayed his party status. However, what the officials valued was his status as a noble member of the party, which allowed him to control his ability to recruit Fan cavalry. Therefore, he had no choice.

But then again, judging from the immediate situation, the identity of the Dangxiang clan still brought tangible benefits to Li Shifu. He led his cavalry to monitor and investigate the outskirts of Xingqing Mansion. The local monks, laymen, rich and poor outside the city had a lot of peace of mind.

, asked about the situation in the city, and there was not much resistance at the main intersection outside the city.

However, these cannot affect the fact that he cannot participate in the siege.

In fact, when he led his troops to investigate around the city, he discovered the water shortage in the Tang Canal in the west of the city, and then quickly sent people to investigate the two main water gates. It is a pity that the Xixia people are not confused. Since the two main water gates

How could they not take precautions after being exposed? Fanqi could see clearly that debris and bricks were piled tightly behind the water gates, blocking the entire inside and outside of the two water gates, and there were still militia archers stationed above to guard them.

Seeing this situation, Li Shifu, who was originally excited for a while, went to report to the coach Yue Fei, but at the same time he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He simply gave up the thought of attacking the city in this battle and focused on guarding the perimeter, preparing to catch the enemy after the war.

Back to the present moment, at noon, after Li Shifu had arranged the troops and cavalry of his headquarters, he led two or three hundred people from his headquarters to circle around the outer perimeter of the city. It was more of an inspection than to personally clean up military discipline to prevent his headquarters from doing just this.

Fan Qi, who had been a soldier in the imperial camp for two years, couldn't bear it for a moment and brought trouble to himself in front of Yue Jiedu, who was always fastidious.

"What's going on?" Walking to the south of the city, Li Shifu saw a hundred men and women kneeling in front of a temple on the roadside, and several monks were talking with their subordinates nearby. He immediately reined in his horse and asked.

"Capital!" the leader of the cavalry quickly reported. "There are many people hiding in this temple. They wanted to run away when they saw us, but we blocked them."

"Your Majesty." The monk saw the person in charge coming and hurriedly stepped forward to explain. "These are all the people and businessmen who escaped from the city last night. Because they have always been familiar with our temple, they hid here last night. There was no one."

Careful work... I hope that for the sake of the Buddha, the king will be lenient and indulgent, and the poor monk will be willing to take them back to the temple, and then ask the king to send troops to guard them, and then let them go after the war is over."

Li Shifu frowned slightly and looked at the refugees again. He saw that most of these people were old, young, women, and children. A few of the leaders were mostly fat "members outside". He couldn't help but feel a little impatient. In addition,

At this time, the war was about to start, but he said directly on the horse:

"For those of you who have come to Xingqing Mansion with my father and met Li Qianshun, please identify him a little. As long as he is not Li Qianshun and his son, don't get involved... Now the overall situation is determined, and nothing can be done about it."

After hearing this, several personal guards hurried forward to identify and inquire.

But as expected, these people are basically the so-called smart people in the city, including traders, wizards, and some low-level officials. Most of them were keenly aware of something when the defeated army returned to the city last night, and then fled at night.

It's just that they set off a little late. Although they left the city, they didn't know how fierce the Song army was. They actually chose to stay in a temple outside the city, and then they were caught by Li Shifu's light cavalry. And ask these people

It was almost useless to ask about the situation of the defenders in the city and the loopholes in the city. It was not that they were unwilling to tell, but because the Song army came too suddenly. They were suddenly alarmed three days ago, there were definite rumors two days ago, and the city was suddenly closed last night.

In this case, even gods cannot provide useful information.

So, after looking at many people, I saw that there was no one who looked similar to Li Qianshun, and a few children were about the same age as the Xixia Prince... Although it was estimated that 99% of them were not... I also made a gentleman's agreement with the temple monk to let these few

The family members were temporarily placed under the custody of the temple and released after the war to confirm their identities.

As for the rest of the people, with the drums rumbling in the east, it seemed that the war was about to begin. Li Shifu's impatience became more obvious, so he simply raised his hand to signal that he wanted to let all the remaining people go.

The leaders of the refugees were all smart people, and there were even monks here, so they naturally gathered around and kowtowed to Li Shifu in front of the temple.

Li Shifu was already impatient. He waved his hand and turned around to get on his horse. However, just as he was getting on his horse, he suddenly felt blessed and turned around to look at the other person:

"Isn't the water gate blocked long ago? Why do you and your family have water stains on their clothes? How did you get out?"

The middle-aged man who was obviously dressed as a businessman was slightly startled. He looked back at his wife and children, but he did not dare to hide it: "So that the King of Song Dynasty knows that the Tang Canal has many branches and more than one water gate passing through the city.

After being closed for two days, the two large water gates in the north of the city were all exposed, and they were naturally blocked early. However, because the water gates elsewhere were usually dug deeper, there was still water inside, and no one was cleaning it, let alone blocking it.

…When my family set out last night, the city was already closed. Fortunately, my father and son were good at water, so they found a water gate and took over the house with my wife and daughter, and then we managed to sneak out.”

Li Shifu's heart was beating wildly, and he quickly asked again and again: "What is the condition of the water gate? How deep is the water? How wide is the gate? Where is it? How can you sneak through?"

The man was also frightened, but he finally dared not say anything.
To be continued...